South Korea Raises National Strategic Technology R&D to 8.6 Trillion Won This Year
South Korea’s government will boost national strategic technology R&D to 8.6 trillion won this year, a 30 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). The increase underscores a sustained push to elevate the country’s leadership in key future technologies.
At the 13th National Strategic Technology Special Committee meeting, MSIT approved the first Basic Plan to nurture National Strategic Technologies and its 2026 implementation plan. The package aims to expand support for top-tier startups in strategic tech fields, including more R&D funding and help with overseas market entry, along with enhanced financial and non-financial benefits for these companies.
Officials said the government will overhaul its technology framework in the first half of this year to strengthen broad-based tech security. This includes revising the National R&D Innovation Act to refine the security framework and increasing investment in defense-related strategic technologies.
The plan also seeks to solidify a “one team” public-private approach and to phase out the PBS funding and evaluation system, in order to create a research environment more focused on delivering tangible results.
MSIT outlined three core goals for 2026: sustained growth support, comprehensive technology security, and a mission-centered policy framework. These aims reflect Korea’s dual emphasis on economic competitiveness and national security in cutting-edge fields.
For international audiences, the implications extend beyond Korea’s borders. South Korea is a major global supplier of advanced electronics, semiconductors, and related technologies, and its defense-tech investments could influence regional security dynamics and supply-chain resilience. Increased collaboration with U.S. partners in AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing may emerge as the plan progresses.
Context helps: the Ministry of Science and ICT administers Korea’s science and technology policy, and “national strategic technologies” refer to fields deemed critical for international competitiveness and security. The PBS reform and the act updates signal a shift toward results-driven funding and tighter governance of sensitive technologies.
The 2026 implementation plan signals Korea’s intent to maintain momentum in high-tech growth while strengthening safeguards around national security. Details on specific technology areas and partner programs are expected to be announced as the plan unfolds.